As the winter season begins to come to a close, the Wayne Hills Girls Basketball team leaps into the Passaic County tournament as the number 2 seed. The team holds a record of 14-3, with their last win over West Milford, 41-28. On Thursday, February 3, Hills had a tough loss against Wayne Valley, losing by 4 points. 

Junior Shannon Tighe, the team’s leading scorer, is eager to head into the county tournament. “Last year, we did not have a chance to play in the County tournament because of COVID-19. Now, we can finally compete, and hopefully win the County title,” Tighe says. 

Wayne Hills got a bye in the County tournament, so they did not play in the first round last weekend. Tighe says that “this is the first time in a long time that [Hills] has been the number 2 seed. Now the only thing left to do is win the tournament.” 

Wayne Hills has to win two tough games to earn their ticket into the County final. This Saturday, February 12, Hills will host Lakeland in the quarterfinals. If the games goes in the Patriots’ favor, they will then play in the County semifinals on February 19 at PCTI. 

On the other side of the bracket, cross-town rival Wayne Valley holds the number one seed. Wayne Valley will play Pompton Lakes for the quarterfinal round on Saturday, February 12, as well. If both Wayne Valley and Wayne Hills win their next two County games, they will battle against each other in the County final on February 26. 

Becky Jenkins, the senior stat girl of the varsity team, has attended every home and away game this season. “I love this time of the year because everything just becomes a little more competitive. I know this team is hungry to win,” Jenkins states. “Each game becomes more intense and thrilling. Nothing beats this time of the year.” 

Wayne Hills has been anxiously waiting for this tournament. Without a doubt, the Patriots will put on a fight in the County tournament.